The New Year is always a great time to reflect on the past, and plan ahead on some important goals you’d like to focus on for the future. You’ve probably thought of a few for yourself already, but what about your dog? Choosing a few specific goals to work on with your furry friend throughout the year is a great way to keep him happy and healthy. Check out some of our top picks for resolutions you can work on together!
Measure Dog’s Food, and Choose Wisely
Portion control is important not just for humans, but for pets too. After a while, many pet owners just “eyeball” their dog’s food for each meal. This can eventually lead to overfeeding and weight gain for your dog, or just the opposite if you’re under-scooping his meals. Be sure to use an 8-ounce measuring cup every time, unless otherwise specified by your vet, to control exactly how many calories he’s intaking. You’ll also want to check that the food you’re using is age-appropriate for your canine. For example, growing dogs have more substantial nutrient requirements than older dogs that may have low energy.
Try New Activities
It’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks! Whether this means new commands that your dog has yet to master or a new activity such as hiking or swimming that you can do together. Switching up his exercise routine keeps things new and exciting for you both.
Prioritize Oral Health
It’s not the most glamorous activity, but oral health for your pets is imperative for his health. Did you know that as many as 85% of dogs and cats over 3 years old are affected by dental diseases? (Feldman, 2017) If you only have one resolution for your dog this year, this should be it! Aim to brush your dog’s teeth daily for optimal health.
Schedule Vet Appointments
Younger dogs should at least be having exams on an annual basis, and older dogs semi-annually. As us humans do, dogs can start to experience health issues later in life, and being proactive by scheduling exams can help to head off some of these problems before they get serious.
Groom Regularly
Help your pooch look and feel his best this year by prioritizing his grooming. Sometimes this is something that gets pushed to the backburner when we get busy, but it is every bit as important as regular vet visits. Grooming helps to maintain a healthy coat and stop hair from matting. Matted hair can cause skin irritation and even painful pinching or bruising when not groomed. If your dog is in need of a grooming , schedule an appointment today with Canine College!
